Industrial Factory Automation

CNCMI has selected the compact DMC-2153 five-axis Ethernet motion controller from Galil Motion Control to ensure precision and speed of its VLF waterjet cutters. CNC Machines International's (CNCMI) VLF series is a high-performance waterjet cutter that can precisely cut and inlay intricate logos into carpet and turf. A representative from CNCMI said: 'Waterjet cutters like our VLF system need to keep the water stream tangent to the material for precise cuts. 'This rotary water axis must be kept tangent to the XY motion at all times. 'A unique feature of the machine is that it allows a bevel cut to be specified up to 45 degrees. 'Bevel cutting is useful in carpet cutting when fitting a logo cutout into the base. 'A straight-edge cut would allow the logo to fall straight through the base material.' The DMC-2153 easily handles the motion required by the application: the XY axes control the linear and circular patterns (rack and pinion), the Z-axis controls the

There have been reports circulating recently stating that EnSolv is to be banned in Europe because of its ozone depletion potential (ODP). However, this is not true; as part of its continuing commitment to the Montreal Protocol process, the European Parliament monitors known and potential ozone depleting substances used in refrigeration, fumigation and solvent-cleaning processes to ensure that the European Union meets its international responsibilities. As a result of the rapid increase in usage of EnSolv for vapour degreasing, the use of the main constituent, n-Propyl Bromide (nPB), will, in future, be monitored but not restricted or banned. Volatile halogenated compounds are the substances that most affect the ozone layer. Compounds containing fluorine, in particular, are under constant review as flourine is the most reactive of the halogens. The original fluorocarbons, CFC R11 and 113, sold in Europe as Freon and Arklone, were used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and cleaning s

Sierra Instruments has released the Compod, its new programmable control module. The Compod, when coupled with Sierra's Smart-Trak mass flow meters (MFMs) and controllers (MFCs), simplifies basic flow-control installations and permits networking of multiple instruments using open-source Modbus RTU protocol. Adding the Compod module to a new or existing Smart-Trak MFM or MFC allows end users to take complete control. Two digital outputs and one analogue input can be configured by the end user for a variety of process controls, including: gas mixing and blending; gas-ratio control; simple batch processes; triggering alarms; starting or stopping gas-flows automatically under user-defined conditions; and gas-flow totalisation. Compod also monitors the functionality of the mass flow meter or controller and includes diagnostics, notifying users of faults or system updates. The Compod mounts to any Sierra Smart-Trak 100 Series, converting the instruments' internal RS-232 communicatio

SymCom MotorSaver Model 202 is an auto-ranging voltage monitor designed to protect three-phase motors regardless of size. It is used on 190-480 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz motors to prevent damage caused by single phasing, low voltage, high voltage, phase reversal, or voltage unbalance. A unique microcontroller-based voltage and phase sensing circuit constantly monitors the three phase voltages to detect harmful power line conditions. When a harmful condition is detected, the MotorSaver's output relay is deactivated after a trip delay. The output relay reactivates after power line conditions return to an acceptable level for the selected amount of time (Restart Delay). The trip delay prevents nuisance tripping due to rapidly fluctuating power line conditions. Note: To obtain UL listing for the MS202, use insulated 1/4" UL recognized female quick connects. Features: Compact design saves precious panel space. 0.25" hole allows easy OEM mounting. Diagnostic bicolor LED indic

The Fabtech International and AWS Welding Show, including Metalform, co-sponsored by the FMA, will take place in Chicago's McCormick Place from November 15-18. The event will feature metal fabricating, forming, tube and pipe, stamping, thermal spraying, laser and welding technologies. In addition to the exhibits, the show will host over 100 technical and non-technical educational sessions and a number of events available to all attendees.

Rofin-Sinar Laser has announced the FL series of high-power fibre lasers. The FL series offers two models; the FL x75 and FL 010, with output powers of 750 and 1,000W respectively. The series has high beam quality and can be coupled in fibre optics with diameters of 50um up to 600um. This is equivalent to beam qualities of 2.5 to 30mm x mrad. The Rofin FL 010 S offers a fibre laser option with single-mode beam quality of typically 0.4mm x mrad and 1,000W output power. The Rofin FL series is suitable for a wide range of applications. Small parts can be welded with low thermal distortion and minimal heat-affected zones, and steel or aluminium can be joined with welding depths of several millimetres. The high beam quality allows the efficient use of 'dynamic beam' scanner systems, allowing 2D and 3D geometries to be processed. Optional beam switch and energy share modules provide the greatest use of the beam source. A single laser can be used in up to four individual work cells.

Lion Precision 's spindle error analyser (SEA) uses non-contact probes to measure spindle error in three axes while at full operating speed. The software analyses the data and presents results in linear and polar plots, as well as calculated values of error motion. A software release (SEA 8.4) streamlines some of the tool's most used features. The complex relationships between data acquisition sample rate, rev/min, and number of samples per revolution have been simplified for the operator in the analysis configuration window. The window provides a visual indicator of the effects of the current settings on processor load and system response. Automation has been improved, with automatically incrementing file names for sequenced measurements. All configuration information is saved and reloaded between sessions, screenshots are auto-saved when file information is saved, and screen updates are automatically paused for visual analysis or printing. View Files Only mode is simplified w

Mazak has introduced the Vortex II series of high-speed, simultaneous five-axis, vertical machining centres. The series is available in bridge or bed-type configuration, with axis travels up to 4,200mm x 1,400mm x 610mm in X, Y and Z and corresponding traverse rates of 20m/min (X), 32m/min (Y) and 20m/min (Z), along with a range of high-performance spindles offering up to 18,000 rev/min and 75kW (10-minute rating). As a result, the Vortex II series is ideally suited to large aerospace components such as wing spars and mould and die work. The machine's five-axis capability is delivered through the use of an A and B axis, on which the spindle is mounted. The +/-40-degree tilting action of these two axes allows cutting tool access to all available faces of the component, while the control provided by the Mazatrol FX (or Fanuc 31i) CNC system gives the ability to cut complex contours at high feed rates. Providing even greater versatility is the Variaxis II series of vertical machining

Autodrill has enabled a manufacturer of oxyacetylene cutting machines to offer a hole drilling option. Because making small, accurate holes through thicker material is sometimes impossible with a laser unit, the manufacturer researched putting an automatic drill on its machine. By drilling all the holes with a standard Autodrill machine, smaller holes are now possible through even the thickest materials due to the optional peck drill features available. The customer is also considering placing multiple spindle drill units on a single fixture, to drill many small holes at the same time. Annular cutters with a positive plug ejection system can also be used for some applications. All the equipment is rated for continuous duty production work. Autodrill offers free application and design assistance during the quote and post-sale process. Free CAD drawings are available for all equipment. A search for Autodrill on Youtube and other video sites turns up a number of example videos.

Ideal for small- to medium-volume manufacturers of high-performance aluminium doors and windows, a cutting line from Italian machine builder, FOM , is now available in the UK from Kasto. The LT500 line is available in two versions, with either a fixed or roller-type unloading table, the latter capable of handling cut pieces of 5m and above. Both models incorporate a cropper and step-in system to feed aluminium bars towards an NC manipulator arm with pneumatic gripper, which then advances the material up to a stop in the cutting area. Horizontal alignment of the bar, which can be up to 7m long, is by a pneumatic stop and magnetic sensor. The aluminium is clamped by manually-adjustable horizontal and vertical vices with jaws that are interchangeable to suit the profile type. Cutting by the 500mm diameter blade of the single-head mitre saw can be at three fixed angles, 45, 90 or 135 degrees. Electrical adjustment of mitre angle from 30 to 160 degrees is an option. During the cutting proce

The lane-changing Maxtriever family of storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) offers fast delivery from, and replenishment to, more than one aisle of a warehouse. The system is designed to change aisles so that one unit has the ability to access more of a facility, increasing warehouse space availability, simplifying inventory access and reducing overhead costs while improving productivity, warehouse control, working conditions and floor space usage. The Maxtriever series of automated Miniload and Unitload storage and retrieval machines is well suited to applications that include the buffering and storage of raw materials, work-in-process and/or finished goods and is effective in the replenishment of forward picking locations. Efficient in handling small parts in totes to large items and car bodies, these high-speed, high-density storage and retrieval systems can replace conventional static rack or carousels to maximise vertical storage space. Lane-changing units have equal performance

Esprit 2009 computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, created by DP Technology , will be on display at the Northwest Machine Tool Expo in Portland, Oregon, from 5-7 May. Visitors will have access to firsthand knowledge from Esprit representatives, who will be available for questions about the the software and will be conducting one-on-one demonstrations. Esprit 2009 places emphasis on integrated machining, and the use of milling and turning in any combination on any type of machine tool, including Swiss-turn, mill-turn and B-axis machines.

Witte Bleckede has introduced a roller-driven sandwich plate. This multi-direction drive (MDD) sandwich plate is easy to move and steer. The rollers allow simple movement and positioning, which is remote-controlled with the help of a joystick. The controls automatically align the rollers to the desired turning direction, then it is easy to rotate the sandwich plates on the spot or drive sideways. The outer surface of the rollers ensures the floor is not damaged. The plates are equipped with powerful batteries and can run up to 120 minutes at a maximum speed of 5km/h without mains supply. With dimensions of 300 x 2000 x 5000mm, the MDD plates can carry approximately 2,000kg. The top surface plate is machined in high-tensile aluminium with a grid for secure, accurate positioning of loads and measuring fixtures. The MDD sandwich plate is secured hydraulically to the floor in its final position during use.

Cutwel has released Korloy CBN inserts, which can be used for hard turning with no cutting fluid. Existing or standard ISO toolholders can be used to hold the inserts. Typical materials that are hard-turned are grey cast iron (180-230HB), high-temperature alloys (over 45HRC), sintered alloy, carbide roll and high-speed steel roll. Grade KB320 is suitable for intermittent and continuous cutting on hardened steel, and Grade KB330 for heavy intermittent cutting on hardened steel. Other grades include Grade KB360 for continuous cutting on cast iron, sintered alloy, heat-resistant alloy and carbide roll, and KB420, for continuous cutting on hardened steel. Advantages include the following: cycle times and set-ups are generally much shorter on lathes than on grinding machines; CNC lathes are generally recommended for hard turning, but manual lathes can be effective as well; hard turning requires a rigid machine with a rigid toolholder system. CBN inserts promote faster cycle times, cu

Jinpat Electronics has announced high-speed slip rings and fibre-optic rotary joints for electromechanical systems. The slip rings have a working speed of up to 10,000rev/min and operational life can extend to 3x109 rounds. The fIbre-optic rotary joints are designed for demanding conditions and tested to rigorous environmental and performance standards. All materials and components have been selected to ensure the highest reliability in extreme environments, including shock and vibration, temperature, humidity and dust. They are compact and feature a variety of configuration options; custom designs are also available. Typical applications are: robotics; vehicle turrets; radar antennas; medical and security systems; sensor platforms; material handling systems; remotely operated vehicles; fibre-optic cable reels; video surveillance and marine propulsion systems; wind turbines.

Burkert has set up an extended design-and-build service for high-tech, pre-assembled Microfluidic systems and custom-designed process control cabinets. Meeting the needs of applications such as food, beverage, process, chemical, pharmaceutical, medical/biomedical, water and oil and gas, the extended service combines process and laboratory automation, valve elements, sensors, flowmeters, water treatment systems and networked communications into single-source customised systems, which deliver higher process efficiency and higher yields with reduced waste. Burkert's service involves complete project responsibility, from conception through design, manufacture, assembly and testing. It covers small and large production runs, extends to integration of third-party equipment, and offers the benefit of simplifying equipment designs, making them more competitive, more compact and easier to assemble. Irwin Hodgkiss, manager of Burkert's system division, said: 'At our Stroud facility

The Stacked ICCON power connector from Tyco Electronics increases power densities in high-end data and telecommunications equipment. With a current-carrying capacity of 50A in a compact footprint, the Stacked ICCON connector provides a quick-connect/disconnect function for space-constrained power delivery applications. The stacked configuration provides two ports vertically stacked to preserve real estate on the board. ICCON connectors use Tyco's Crown Band contacts, a multi-fingered spring that provides a greater surface contact area, thus ensuring small millivolt drop, minimum heat generation and very low insertion and extraction forces. Mating pin contacts are screw machined and feature silver plating. 'This connector provides a solution where space constraints do not permit the use of separate power and guide module components,' said Mike Blanchfield, global product manager for Tyco Electronics' power interconnects. A choice of three pin lengths is available for se

ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a range of XLR audio connectors designed to offer high performance and support the latest advancements in digital equipment. Suitable for a variety of digital audio cables, these XLR connectors are designed to withstand extreme use in the field, claiming to ensure excellent RFI and EMI shielding to minimise audio distortion, while shock-absorbing, rubber-insulated receptacles reduce vibration and electrical noise. XLR connectors feature a quick disconnect latch lock and are available in configurations of two to seven positions, with reliable, precision-machined contacts and lightweight aluminium shells. Multiple plating options are available and the range is RoHS compliant. XLR connectors are suitable for many analogue and digital applications and industries, including TV cameras, amplifiers, mixers, microphones and recording equipment; medical instruments; and industrial control devices.

Douglas Electrical Components (Deco) has introduced its Potcon line of hermetic feedthroughs, which incorporate standard connectors and/or wire harnesses in a single, fully-sealed housing. The Potcon product family features circuits that can be disconnected at the pressure bulkhead or the vacuum port plate, enabling mating and unmating. Deco manufactures more than 1,000 varieties of Potcon connectors for vacuum, pressure and environmental containment. These feedthroughs are capable of the standard pin-to-pin or socket-to-socket configurations, but also offer a pin-to-socket design. Another feature offered by the Potcon line is the connector-to-wire configuration, which is available alongside the standard connector-to-connector and connector-to-solder cup designs. Ed Douglas, president of Deco, said: 'By providing a mated solution that uses the same connection in the vacuum chamber as on the bench, the Potcon feedthroughs facilitate bench-top testing prior to installation in the va

Timken bearings from STAG Group covers the complete spectrum of aerospace requirements, including ball, cylinder, needle, taper, thrust, spindle, spherical and high-precision types. Applications are found in engines, gearboxes, airframe controls and accessories, covering turbines, power plants, helicopters and ancillary power in private, commercial and military aircraft. Timken's expertise in metallurgical and power transmission research, combined with development of next-generation technologies, is complemented by the supply management and customer service support provided by STAG Group. Timken bearings are designed to maximise speed, loading and operational lifetime, and the STAG supply chain ensures that both original equipment manufacture and service/repair schedules are optimised for turnaround times and for pipeline stock.

Emseal develops breakthrough 'Emshield DFR2' fire-rated, watertight, trafficable structural expansion joint system, the first UL-certified single-unit fire-rated expansion joint. Emseal, the leading manufacturer of premium sealants, expansion joints and gasket products in the U.S., has introduced a revolutionary new fire-rated expansion joint. Emshield DFR2 is the market's first UL-certified single-unit fire-rated expansion joint that is trafficable, watertight, and accommodates high-movement. Structures that will benefit from this life-safety enhancing technology include stadiums, arenas, hospitals, schools, universities, airports, parking decks, hotels and other structures where containment of fire at structural expansion joints is required. The new hybrid system is ideal for both new and retrofit uses in construction and infrastructure applications. Emshield DFR2, developed at the company's manufacturing plant in Canada, is now on the market in the U.S., Canada

For over 50 years, Entrelec® By ABB Low Voltage has been one of the leading manufacturers of terminal blocks, with products in use all over the world. All terminal blocks are manufactured using only the highest quality materials and carry UL, CSA, VDE, IEC and other worldwide approvals. Entrelec® by ABB offers space savings, industry standard DIN rail mountable terminal blocks and a variety of colors, functions and connection technologies that customers demand. Product Offering Accessories Mini Terminal Blocks AMS 500 Marking Systems PCB Connection Devices ATEX Terminal Blocks PLC Wiring System Blocks for 5.08mm Connections Power Terminal Blocks Cable Management System Screw Clamp Terminal Blocks Distribution Terminal Blocks Specific Terminal Blocks IDC (ADO) Terminal Blocks Spring Clamp Terminal Blocks Test Connectors The industry’s most identifiable termination technologies are: Screw Clamp technology remains the most popular in connection device

Schott Systeme has launched an online video demonstration of its latest freeform feature recognition tools. Designed specifically with mould and model makers in mind, these tools help overcome the limitations of current CAM feature recognition packages, whereby only prismatic items such as pockets and holes are extracted from a model. Schott Systeme's CAD/CAM solution 'Pictures by PC' is able to examine and extract geometry for machining of far greater complexity. By combining these enhanced recognition tools with the software's latest surface modelling capabilities, users are able to prepare models for machining in a greatly reduced timeframe. Citing mouldtool design as a typical example, all freeform holes on a model, such as those created to house ejector pins, can automatically be covered in a single click, preventing tooling during finishing operations from disappearing into the holes. Complex features such as the slots created by electrodes can also be automatica

Sames has developed the PPH 707-SB paint sprayer, which is intended for automakers and is equipped with a high-speed turbine (HST). This turbine enables paint to be applied at high flow rates (up to 1,000cc/min), thereby increasing productivity. The use of the HST also reduces the number of robots needed, as each robot is able to work faster. This technology can be combined with the 'bowl/bowl' process, resulting in perfect colour and very high paint transfer performance, according to the company. This is claimed to guarantee higher quality and competitiveness for Mercedes, Renault and GM. As a result of its transfer efficiency (the ratio between the amount of product actually applied to the part and the total amount of product used), the PPH 707-SB sprayer also reduces the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by paints.

Sensgard has introduced a hardhat adaptor that allows workers to use Sensgard hearing protection devices. The adaptor clips to the back of virtually any hardhat and is designed for use with either the Sensgard SG 26 or SG 31 hearing protection model. The system, combining either model with the hardhat adaptor, weighs less than two ounces (57g), but both components are rugged and durable, even in hot and cold temperature extremes. The SG26 and the SG31 have noise-reduction ratings of 26 and 31 decibels respectively, making the Sensgard system suitable for use in extreme-noise environments, including construction, manufacturing, energy/utility/nuclear power plants, refineries and mining operations. The SG 26 and the SG31 incorporate patented ZEM technology, which uses the mechanical energy of sound waves instead of electronics to minimise sound before it reaches the ears. The devices provide consistent protection without distortion across all frequencies. The wearer is fully protected f

A feature of Kemppi's three-phase Mastertig MLS 3000 and 3003 AC/DC welding systems is the Microtack function, available on the optional ACX control panel. This function has been specifically developed to tack weld carbon, stainless steel and titanium thin sheet components up to around 4mm thickness. Microtack welding resembles spot welding in that it uses a high current pulse to create a low heat input to weld thin sheet materials and thin sheet to thicker sheet materials.  This method of TIG welding is made possible by the control technology used in the Kemppi power source, which creates a tailored current pulse that is efficient and fast, a matter of a few dozen milliseconds to create the low heat input. The result is a clean, small tack weld, which is similar to a laser weld in appearance and characteristics, resulting in lower risks in burn. Although Microtack welding is very fast and easy to use, it does not use any filler material and the heat input is low, so there is littl

Dome-loaded 797 LE-HD gas-controlled pressure regulators from Witt can provide an economic and safe solution to ensure gas cutting systems receive a constant gas supply, according to the manufacturer. The company said this system of gas regulation is more economical than using a full electronic control system. In one application the three inlet lines for oxygen and propane are supplied via Witt pressure regulators to optimise the automatic gas supply. The gas control was regulated using proportional valves with changes in the gas pressure being adjusted by pressure changes, thereby controlling the cutting process. Witt pressure regulators can be used for numerous applications with a range of flow rates and gases. They are used as a primary pressure regulator, which can be installed in any orientation, in gas supply pipeline systems to ensure a consistent stable pressure up to a flow of 2300m3/h and are independent of any inlet pressure fluctuations in the gas supplies, including gas w

Mahr Federal has extended the capability of its MMQ Formtester line with the MMQ 200 Formtester, optimised for measuring cylindricity and other deviations of form and position. Equipped with Mahr's Easyform Version 3 Software, the MMQ 200 is said to be compact, fast and easy to learn and operate. It is suitable for use in metrology laboratories or on the shop floor. Pat Nugent, vice-president of metrology systems for Mahr Federal, said: 'The unit can be operated either by touch screen or by a keypad built right into the machine base. 'Using Easyform, no programming language is required for operation. 'Multi-feature measurement routines can be easily set up and saved and measurement operations are fast and virtually automatic.' EasyForm's teach-in mode remembers each step taken and can combine steps to perform multi-feature measurements. Up to 32 measuring routines can be saved for automatic operation via function keys. For example, a roundness measurement can b

Automated Packaging Systems (APS) is offering the option to UK businesses to hire - rather than buy - automated bagging and void fill solutions. The company has joined forces with nationwide tool and equipment provider HSS Hire to offer exclusive short- and long-term hire of its Freespace bagging system and Airpouch void fill system. The PS 125 Freespace is designed for low- to mid-volume operations. It is said to be highly productive and flexible and has been adapted for a range of applications, from splitting bulk-purchase fittings and craft items to dispatching goods from offices. Capable of operating at speeds up to 25 bags per minute, it weighs less than 40kg and has a footprint of 550mm x 480mm, which means that it can be used in small spaces. The quiet, all-electric design does not require compressed air. Freespace makes it possible for one person to sort and bag products at between four and six times their normal operating rate in a like-for-like bagging scenario, saving time

Komax Systems has introduced a modular automatic assembly system that can be used initially for low-volume pre-production runs and that can later be expanded into high-volume systems. The company, which is located in Switzerland, initially developed its KSPilot to answer a problem for medical-device manufacturers. In the KSPilot system, a chassis uses a free work pallet loop to give a three-second cycling rate. Assembly tooling can be cam driven, pneumatically operated or operated under numerical control (NC). Tooling/assembly operations can be under one second. All tooling has common mechanical, electrical and software interfaces with Komax Systems's high-speed, cam-driven, inline and rotary tooling platforms. The platforms are portable and, once proven out on the KSPilot line, can be removed and inserted into a high-volume production line. According to the company, the system allows automatic assemblies to be tried, proven out and prepared for use in a high-speed assembly line d

Stellram has developed a drilling tool design, which has boosted productivity and has reduced costs at Young Touchstone, a manufacturer of industrial heat exchangers. Stellram Hardcore technology has transformed a machining operation at the company's plant in Tennessee, US, by doubling the average number of holes achieved per drill and delivering a 59 per cent saving on tool costs. Young Touchstone, part of Wabtec Corporation, turned to Stellram for help on its project, which involved drilling approximately 1,000 holes, 13mm x 16mm deep, in 1,018 CR steel plates used for a variety of cooling applications. Patrick Cann, ATI Stellram's solid carbide specialist, said: 'The challenge was to identify areas for improvement that would help increase productivity and decrease tool costs. 'Under the existing operation, the drill cost per hole was high and tool life varied greatly. 'The Stellram product development team recommended the use of Hardcore technology drills as par

Cutwel has introduced the NC9025 carbide turning grade for machining stainless steel, heat-resistant super alloy, cast iron and sticky steels. Features are: a toughened substrate to enhance notch wear resistance; CVD low-friction coating technology, which helps decrease built-up edge for better surface finish and machining accuracy; negative and positive type inserts; choice of insert radius for roughing and finishing; wide range of insert chip breakers; application cutting area P30-P40: steel 80-260m/min, M25-M35: stainless steel 80-20m/min; K20-K30: cast iron 130-240m/min; S20-S30: heat-resistant super alloy 20-60m/min; 50-75 per cent increase in tool life; better surface finish and tighter tolerance of machined parts. Full technical back-up is offered on insert and chip breaker selection, speeds feeds and recommended depths of cut.

Lincoln Electric has teamed up with custom car designer Chip Foose to create Vista Hemisfear, an auto-darkening welding helmet inspired by Foose's Hemisfear hot rod. The Vista Hemisfear is the company's first using a lightweight shell design, bringing the total helmet weight to 567g or less depending on configuration. All Vista helmets feature: solar-powered auto-darkening, eliminating operator error and alkaline corrosion; grind and TIG modes, as well as variable delay settings for greater operator control; four independent arc sensors to ensure reliability; different view sizes for user preferences. The complete series of Vista helmets also includes various colours and graphic designs, including textured black, Patriot, Nascar heavy metal, Red Rod and SurfRod. Every helmet includes a Personal-Pak with a soft helmet bag with zip-up pocket, a graphic Lincoln bandana and an owner ID label. Lincoln Electric's complete line of Vista auto-darkening helmets is available at loca

Kontron intends to design with Octeon II processors from Cavium Networks, a provider of semiconductor products that allow intelligent processing. Clients will be able to upgrade their systems with the highest packet processor performance, unprecedented scalability and added virtualisation functionalities, to support their multiple network infrastructure equipment such as media gateway- and wireless base station-type applications. These multi-core processing units will provide much more flexibility in xTCA platforms, and create a broader range of target applications using COTS components in the network. Multiple 10GbE I/O capability combined with DDR3 memory bandwidth will enable system designs for LTE and other core network elements. SRIO is supported in the Octeon II CN63XX, so this type of architecture will also allow use in combination with other DSP-intensive applications in MicroTCA platforms. The Cavium Networks Octeon II internet application processor (IAP) family is design

Aluflash, Z-Led 's new alternative to lead flashing, has attained the best fire rating performance available. The product has been given an 'AA' fire rating by Bodycote Warrington, enabling unrestricted use regardless of proximity to adjacent buildings, and ensuring compliance with Building Regulation Part B. Z-Led- one of the UK's leading suppliers of solutions to prevent water ingress into buildings- believes Aluflash is the first aluminium flashing on the market to achieve the certification. Aluflash can be used wherever lead flashing would traditionally be employed- and beyond: its non-toxic construction means it is suitable for use with rainwater harvesting installations, and prevents oxidisation over time. The product uses a combination of corrosion-resistant aluminium with a solvent lacquer coloured surface and self-adhesive butyl backing, to give the most viable alternative to traditional lead flashing. Z-Led has developed two unique surface finishes for Aluflas

Atmos to launch Combinair, a low cost route to level 3 and 4 of the code for sustainable homes, at this year's Greenbuild. Atmos Heating Systems, the low carbon heating specialist, unveils the ground breaking Combinair on Stand A1 at this year's Greenbuild, 17-18 June 2009, Manchester Central (formerly GMEX), Manchester. Boasting an efficiency of 300-400%, the revolutionary Combinair integrates a condensing gas combi boiler with an air source heat pump (ASHP) into a single unit. Designed to reduce CO2 emissions the unit offers a low cost route to achieving Code Levels 3 and 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. To gain Level 3 of the Code, a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions is needed, which can be achieved in a low energy house with the Combinair. This innovative ASHP combines the benefits of a heat pump with mechanical heat recovery ventilation in one unit. The Combinair draws warm air from the house mechanical extract ventilation system, together with outside air. Recovering he

New 'ultra-efficient' Turbomiser Mark 2 chiller, developed by Klima-Therm and Cool-Therm , cuts power bills by up to 50 per cent. A new type of ultra-efficient chiller, now being launched simultaneously in the UK and across Europe, delivers unprecedented energy savings for end users and takes carbon reduction into new territory for the industry. The super-frugal machine, Turbomiser II, is the fruit of a two-year evelopment programme by pioneering Italian manufacturer Geoclima and UK companies Klima-Therm and Cool-Therm. It has been heralded as "probably the most efficient HFC-based air-cooled chiller in the world." It can achieve EERs of 10 and above without the need for additional free-cooling circuits and associated glycol, which can prove expensive and is not favoured in many applications. This saves both on initial cost and ongoing pump energy. Building on the success of the first generation Turbomiser, which itself set a new standard for efficiency, the second ge

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the DM5XX Series industrial LCD monitors designed to deliver reliable operation and long life in harsh application environments, and/or continuous duty operation. The monitors deliver a high MTBF at over 550,000 hours and are available as general-purpose displays or as a UL listed Class I/Div 2 device. They come in a variety of mounting styles and can be combined with a Pepperl+Fuchs Bebco EPS purge system for Class I/Div 1 hazardous environment mounting. Touch-screen options are also available. DM5XX flat-panel monitors are available in 10in, 12in, 15in, 18in, 19in and 20in sizes, and are rated for use in temperatures ranging from -10C to 55C. They accept standard VGA or NTSC inputs from a PC or video camera source. They can multi-sync to any standard video mode from 640 x 480 to 1600 x 1200 at scan rates from 60 to 75Hz, without image distortion or flicker. The DM5XX are 12V DC powered displays, powered from an external power supply to keep heat away f

Endress And Hauser is offering the Micropilot M FMR245 radar for accurate and reliable level monitoring of solid and liquid applications. Suitable for continuous non-contact level monitoring, the radar is claimed to deliver high measurement integrity even in demanding applications involving dust, build-up formation and aggressive or corrosive environments. Signal performance has been enhanced, further extending the application scope of this 26Hz level radar. In addition to the process seal, the device features an optional glass gas-tight feed-through between the antenna and the electronics, which stops toxic or aggressive media penetrating the electronics compartment, guaranteeing optimum safety in extreme conditions, according to the company. Its improved antenna design enables applications up to 200C. Its one-piece solid PTFE antenna is adapted to the signal, which inhibits hollow spaces or joints, thus preventing condensation within the antenna and improving process reliability

Inmoco has introduced two robust Servotecnica commercial slip rings that offer the flexibility for up to 96 connections (216 upon demand). They also feature high voltage/current operation, low temperature working down to -40C and the ability to operate at speeds up to 800rpm. The new SRH 60135 and SRH 70155 series slip rings are designed for use in any system requiring the transmission of electrical and/or power signals to an intermittently or continuously rotating shaft. This typically includes equipment such as video systems, robots and downhole inspection equipment, manufacturing and process control equipment, filling machines, medical equipment and packaging machines. Both series of SRH slip rings are available in many standard configurations; offer a high rating life of 10 (to the power of seven) revolutions (nominal speed 250rpm); and the facility of from six to 96 circuits, with up to 216 as an option. Their reduced size - the SRH 60135 is the smaller of the two - allows inst

The CLPA (CC-Link Partners Association) has published a catalogue detailing an array of CC-Link products from a host of different vendors. CC-Link is an open fieldbus for control and communications that allows devices from many suppliers to be directly integrated into a control system. The catalogue is suitable for anyone building control networks around the CC-Link open fieldbus. It provides technical details and application suggestions for the various versions, including CC-Link/LT (Lite), CC-Link Safety and CC-Link IE (Industrial Ethernet), as well as the standard offering. The catalogue provides full information on CC-Link master products, slave products and peripheral devices. It includes PLCs, I/O, HMIs, drives, sensors, process devices, indicators, solenoid valves and many others, including gateway products to simplify integration into wider automation systems. All products are conformance tested to ensure compliance with CC-Link standards, allowing users to source best of

Ideal Industries has introduced the 61-797 Digital Insulation Meter, a rugged, industrial-grade tester designed for commissioning, routine troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. Tony Kumeta, general European manager of Ideal Industries (UK), said: 'The periodic testing of insulation for signs of deterioration will spot breakdowns in electrical systems, generators, switchgears and motor windings before failure occurs. 'More importantly, insulation testing can prevent the dangerous occurrence of short circuits or short to grounds.' The portable 61-797 can withstand the rigours of heavy commercial and industrial usage. Using test leads, the technician can quickly determine the integrity of insulation in new and existing wiring by identifying capacitive, absorption and leakage current at multiple test voltages (50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000V) and resistance up to 20G Ohms. The 61-797 can also measure earth-bond resistance to assure verification of the continuity of the p

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the DM5XX Series industrial LCD monitors designed to deliver reliable operation and long life in harsh application environments, and/or continuous duty operation. The monitors deliver a high MTBF at over 550,000 hours and are available as general-purpose displays or as a UL listed Class I/Div 2 device. They come in a variety of mounting styles and can be combined with a Pepperl+Fuchs Bebco EPS purge system for Class I/Div 1 hazardous environment mounting. Touch-screen options are also available. DM5XX flat-panel monitors are available in 10in, 12in, 15in, 18in, 19in and 20in sizes, and are rated for use in temperatures ranging from -10C to 55C. They accept standard VGA or NTSC inputs from a PC or video camera source. They can multi-sync to any standard video mode from 640 x 480 to 1600 x 1200 at scan rates from 60 to 75Hz, without image distortion or flicker. The DM5XX are 12V DC powered displays, powered from an external power supply to keep heat away f